The Best Family-Friendly Ryokan (Japanese Inn) in Japan
Last Updated on October 13, 2024 by Kay
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If you’re traveling within Japan, perhaps staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, is something you want to experience with your child.
I took my daughter to her first ryokan when she was six months old, and it was wonderful. We enjoyed our meals in our room and our daughter was preoccupied with all the toys the ryokan had provided so my husband and I could relax.
When my daughter was a toddler, we could order kid-friendly meals for her when we stayed at different ryokan. She also got to wear a cute yukata for kids and the ryokan also provided a child-size toothbrush and other amenities for her.
Finding a ryokan that allows small children, such as babies and toddlers, can be tricky. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about it from readers and I’m not surprised because I wasn’t sure where to look myself at first when my daughter was a baby. I ended up spending hours looking for a kid-friendly ryokan nearby, and with a toddler, it’s something I still have to do when planning family vacations.
This is why I’ve compiled a list of some popular ryokan throughout the country that welcome little ones and parents in Japan love.
This list includes ryokan I’ve personally stayed with my family and I will be adding to this article whenever I stay at a ryokan that I think would be great for families. There are also related articles about places we’ve traveled to that I am planning on writing soon. (I will make sure to share updates on my Instagram.)
I’ve organized this article into three sections: Babies, Toddlers, and Older Children. The ryokan listed under the Babies section are recommended for toddlers and older children as well, so make sure not to skip it!
This article furthermore contains information on ryokan across the country, so hopefully it might give you some ideas about places to travel in Japan apart from the usual like Kyoto.
But if you are interested in staying at a ryokan in Kyoto or the surrounding area, I suggest you read my article on the best family-friendly ryokan in Kyoto and Kansai.
I’ve also written an article focusing on Tokyo ryokan and those in the surrounding area.
If you want to visit an onsen at a ryokan as well, make sure you read my in-depth guide all about taking kids to onsen in Japan.
Lastly, although this article is PACKED with ryokan recommendations, if you want to look for ryokan yourself, I suggest Booking.com or Rakuten Travel
Both have great options and you can filter results according to your needs.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission on any purchases through those links at zero additional cost to you. Whatever I make goes to keeping this website running and I am forever grateful for the support.
Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top picks for family-friendly ryokan in Japan:
Table of Contents
- What to Keep in Mind When Visiting a Ryokan with Kids
- Recommended Family-Friendly Ryokan (Japanese Inn) for Babies
- Kanto Region
- Kansai Region
- Shikoku Region
- Kyushu Region
- Hokkaido Region
- Recommended Family-Friendly Ryokan (Japanese Inn) for Toddlers (1 Year and Up)
- Kanto Region
- Kansai Region
- Kyushu Region
- Hokkaido Region
- Recommended Family-Friendly Ryokan (Japanese Inn) for Children Six Years and Up
- Wrap-up: Kid-Friendly Ryokan in Japan
What to Keep in Mind When Visiting a Ryokan with Kids
If a ryokan is listed as baby or toddler-friendly, it’s likely they will have basic necessities for small children such as cutlery and plates. In each ryokan description for this article, I’ve also tried to include as much as possible about additional amenities some ryokan provide, such as baby soap. But if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to contact the ryokan and ask (especially when it comes to cribs because most don’t offer them)!
Most ryokan also have futon for bedding rather than beds, which I think is safer for smaller children since they won’t fall. Depending on the ryokan, you can also request a separate futon (布団) for your child but we always just share two futon between the three of us (two adults and one child) since it tends to cost extra. My daughter is still little so this is possible, but depending on the age and size of your child, you may want to spring on getting them a futon of their own.
Many ryokan that are kid-friendly also provide special meals for kids that have food that children love such as french fries, fried chicken, fried shrimp, and meat patties. They may also provide kid-friendly breakfasts as well.
This being said, make sure you check the menu of the ryokan before you stay. For instance, traditional Japanese breakfasts at ryokan can consist of rice, pickled vegetables, and fish, which might not appeal to some people (especially kids if they don’t have a Western-style kids’ breakfast!). Traditional ryokan will also usually serve the same meals daily because guests usually only stay for one night. So if you want some variety and are staying longer than one night, I don’t recommend booking meals for the rest of your stay. Depending on the ryokan, this might not be possible.
Also, it’s important to note that the rooms might have things that kids like touching, like decorative vases or figures. So make sure you ask staff to remove them if you feel like your child might break something or it might be a hazard.
Now let’s get into the ryokan!
Recommended Family-Friendly Ryokan (Japanese Inn) for Babies
Kanto Region
The ryokan in this section cater to babies and up, but please also consider reading my article on family-friendly Tokyo ryokan as well!
Washintei Hougetsu・和心亭 豊月(Hakone, Kanagawa)
This beautiful ryokan in Hakone, a famous onsen town in Kanto, provides Bumbo chairs, bath chairs, body soap, cutlery, and bottle sterilizers. Babies are also allowed to use their public baths. You can also borrow children’s DVDs and picture books.
Meals are available for children 1.5 years and up.
Senkyoro・仙郷楼 (Hakone, Kanagawa)
Another baby-friendly ryokan in Hakone, parents can rent a private indoor or outdoor bath to enjoy with their baby for free. The ryokan also provides Bumbo chairs and diapers.
Some of the rooms have private onsen.
Kakui no Yado Shiunso ・鶴井の宿 紫雲荘 (Hakone, Kanagawa)
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This ryokan is located along Hayakawa River, which you can see from its rocky open-air bath. It’s stunning in any season, especially in autumn when you can see the changing autumn leaves from the window of the room.
They’re also family-friendly, with big rooms and amenities for babies and small children such as baby soap, a baby bath, bath chairs, and diapers.
Some of the rooms have private onsen.
Yugawara Spa Resort Onyado Megumi・おんやど恵 (Yugawara, Kanagawa)
Yugawara is a famous hot spring town located about an hour from Tokyo Station if you take the Shinkansen or 2 hours on local trains. It’s beautiful as you can see both lush, green mountains and the sea.
This ryokan offers a play area for kids and bath toys for the rental onsen bath (貸切露天風呂) , as well as baby food, meals for older kids, and rental strollers.
Two rooms have private onsen.
Sora no Ue ・そらのうえ (Izu, Shizuoka)
Izu is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo as it is about a 2-3 hour train ride or drive away. It’s especially beautiful around February with its early blooming and stunningly pink cherry blossoms.
My family stayed at Sora no Ue for my daughter’s first vacation when she was 6 months old. They have a special, child-friendly room that has toys as well as amenities for babies and toddlers, as well as an onsen bath in the room.
I wrote about my stay with my family so please have a look!
Kasuitei Ooya ・花水庭おおや (Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi)
Located next to Lake Kawaguchi, which you should absolutely visit if you haven’t already, this ryokan boasts multiple hot spring baths throughout the facility, including a rental one that overlooks the lake. They also provide meals and futon for small children.
Some of the rooms have private onsen.
Kamogawakan ・鴨川館 (Kamogawa, Chiba)
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This ryokan is very close to popular kid-friendly sightseeing spots such as Mother Farm and Kamogawa Sea World. It also has stunning views of the ocean from the rooms and several hot spring baths.
For those staying with babies, they provide a Family Plan that includes free diapers, extra towels, baby soap, and free use of a private onsen bath (貸切風呂) for 45 minutes.
Some of the rooms have private onsen.
Kansai Region
motoyu Ryuusenkaku ・元湯龍泉閣 (Arima Onsen, Kobe)
This ryokan has tons of things for babies up to older kids, such as a baby room with a sanitizer for bottles, a kid’s corner with books and toys, and also a pool and a mini-golf course (which makes me want to take my daughter now!). They even offer meals for babies as young as 4 months old!
Some of the rooms have private onsen.
I’ve written an article all about Arima Onsen, which you may be interested in checking out.
湯楽 (Yuraku) Kinosaki Spa&Gardens (Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo)
Kinosaki Onsen is located about two hours away from Kyoto and it is a must-visit place, in my books. The atmosphere is the epitome of an onsen town with beautiful willow trees lining the river and tons of small shops as well as onsen (of course). It’s also tattoo-friendly! If you want to know more, make sure to read my article about Kinosaki Onsen.
This ryokan, which has won multiple awards, provides baby bath chairs, baby soap, and other amenities for those with little ones using one of their three private onsen baths. You can also enjoy meals in your room to help make the stay as stress-free as possible.
Furthermore, guests are given a pass to explore seven onsen in the area, which you absolutely should use, but perhaps when your child is older and it’s easier to handle them since I think it will be challenging otherwise. You can take turns if you’re visiting with your partner as well, so one of you can stay at the ryokan with the baby while the other visits the onsen baths.
Kasenkyo Izutsuya (Yumura Onsen, Hyogo)
This ryokan is located in another historical onsen town, Yumura Onsen, in northern Hyogo. They provide a baby bath, playpen, hair chair, bibs, as well as amenities to help make enjoying the onsen easier with your baby. You can also rent a crib.
Some rooms have private onsen and you can also rent an onsen bath if you like.
Ryokan Fushioukaku (Ikeda, Osaka)
Many rooms here have private open-air baths (note that these are not onsen water). They also provide numerous amenities for babies and toddlers such as baby soap, bottle sterilizer, toys, books, a bath chair, as well as an entire playroom for kids.
There’s late checkout at noon, too, so you don’t have to feel rushed.
Sumiya Kihoan Yunohana Onsen Resort・湯の花温泉 (Kameoka, Kyoto)
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Kyoto can be notorious for being not the most welcoming place for little ones. However, rest assured that there are ryokan that are baby-friendly in Kyoto, such as this one located about an hour east of Arashiyama.
Hanaikada・花筏 (Arashiyama, Kyoto)
Upon request prior to checking in, this ryokan will provide amenities for your child, toys, and baby food! One of the best parts is that this ryokan is located a mere 5-minute walk from Arashiyama Station.
Biwako Ryokusuitei ・びわこ緑水亭 (Biwako, Shiga)
Biwako is a famous lake in Japan and is located fairly close to both Osaka (about an hour from Osaka-Umeda Station) and Kyoto (about 30 minutes from Kyoto Station).
This particular ryokan has a special Welcome Baby plan that even includes baby food and amenities such as diapers, wipes, baby soap, and formula. They offer a special kid’s meal for older children as well.
Yado Musashi ・紀州・白浜温泉 むさし (Shirahama, Wakayama)
Shirahama is a beautiful place to visit in Kansai, not only famous for its lovely beaches but also its onsen. It’s also close to Adventure World, a massive zoo, and plenty of other activities for kids to do.
They have a special plan for those traveling with babies called 「赤ちゃん連れ旅行おすすめプラン (Akachan tsure ryokan osusume plan)」. About that plan before you book so that you will be provided with items like baby wipes, baby shampoo, and baby food.
Shikoku Region
Kotohira Kadan ・琴平花壇 (Kotohiracho, Kagawa)
This is a famous and historical ryokan where people such as the imperial family have stayed. It also has stunning open-air onsen baths overlooking views such as Kotohira Town, the mountains, and bamboo forests.
For guests with babies and young children, they provide amenities such as Bumbo chairs, baby soap, and baby baths. They will also clean and disinfect bottles upon request.
Kyushu Region
SHOEN Ureshino・花とおもてなしの宿 松園 (Saga)
Hokkaido Region
Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa・緑の風リゾート きたゆざわ (Date)
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Hokkaido is one of my favorite places to visit and had there not been a pandemic when my daughter was a baby, I probably would have brought her here. (I am, however, considering going here in the future because it is so beautiful!)
This ryokan boasts a gorgeous onsen where you can enjoy looking at the snow while staying piping hot in the water. It looks like a gorgeous place to visit any season, though!
They also have a baby room for those with little ones, which includes cutlery for babies, a bath chair, a play mat, a diaper pail, and a potty ring for toddlers.
Recommended Family-Friendly Ryokan (Japanese Inn) for Toddlers (1 Year and Up)
Before I get into this section, I’d like to note that if you need a potty ring or training seat for your toddler that you can place on the toilet (called omaru (オマル) in Japanese), ask the front desk as soon as you check in (or contact the ryokan with this request beforehand).
Kanto Region
Hamanoyu (Izu Peninsula)
Around two hours away from Tokyo by train, Hamanoyu is a luxurious ryokan and one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of staying.
From the moment you step through the doors, they treat you like royalty, making every moment of your stay truly amazing. They’re known for their exquisite in-room meals and food, particularly the sea bream. My husband said the food was some of the best he’s ever had in his life!
Many of their rooms have a private open-air bath, coupled with breathtaking ocean views. They also offer special meals for children and will accommodate dietary restrictions.
If there’s one ryokan worth making the journey to experience, it’s undeniably Hamanoyu.
I stayed here for my babymoon and wrote all about the experience, which you can read about here.
Ubuya・うぶや (Fuji Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi)
My family stayed here as a last goodbye to Kanto before we moved to Kansai. It was as stunning as the pictures look and the service was impeccable.
We could see Mount Fuji from our room with a lovely, private outdoor onsen bath that we shared as a family. My daughter was two when we stayed here and she loved every moment of it. They also offer kid’s meals and you can rent toys and other amenities for little ones as well.
Taishoukaku ・大松閣 (Hanno, Saitama)
This is a gorgeous ryokan surrounded by trees in an area known for hiking and nature. The ryokan has a wooden play area for kids and there’s lots to see nearby such as Moomin Valley Park.
They offer free shuttle buses from Hanno Station, which is 30 minutes by train from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo.
Keisetsu no Yado Syoubun・蛍雪の宿 尚文 (Minakamicho, Gunma)
We took my daughter to this ryokan when she was 1.5 years old. It’s best to go during autumn as the view of momiji leaves from the window is beautiful (not to mention the fiery red and warm orange trees in the surrounding mountains).
My daughter got a jinbei for toddlers (she looked so cute in it!) and some amenities for toddlers like a toothbrush. The room also had a half-open-air onsen bath, which we enjoyed as a family. You can choose to get a kids’ meal for your child but since our daughter was so little we just gave her some of our food.
Eidaya ・草津温泉宿 永田屋 (Kusatsu, Gunma)
Located in Kusatsu, a popular onsen town in Kanto and a frequent getaway for Tokyoites, this family-friendly ryokan provides meals and futon for small children if requested.
Kansai Region
We stayed at Ryokufukaku when my daughter was four years old and I can confidently say that this was one of the best ryokan I’ve been to. It’s clean and well-maintained and the crab was amazing. (My daughter got a seafood-free kid’s meal but she ended up liking the crab even more!)
My daughter also got a toy when we checked out!
Kinosaki Onsen Morizuya (Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo)
What makes this ryokan especially perfect for toddlers is that it has a kids’ room filled with toys like Tomicar vehicles and Rika-chan dolls. It also has an intriguing onsen bath in a small, rocky cave and you can participate in activities such as tea ceremony at the owner’s house! (Although young children probably shouldn’t have matcha.)
Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
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This ryokan does accept babies; however, I don’t know what (if any) amenities they provide for that age range so I’ve put it in the Toddlers section. The location of this ryokan can’t be beat and most of the rooms have their private open-air baths. They also offer kids’ meals for young children.
Hana no Ie・花のいえ (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
This is another ryokan that I’ve included here because it doesn’t seem to have specific amenities for babies but does accept small children. You can also choose whether you want to include kid’s meals for your child.
Note, though, that they do not have English-speaking staff (according to their website).
Kamogawakan Inn・鴨川館 (Kyoto)
Just a three-minute walk from Sanjo Station, this ryokan is in the heart of Kyoto city. There’s only one public bath in the building but if you don’t want to travel far and just want a taste of what it’s like to stay at a ryokan, then this is a good option.
The ryokan can also provide meals for children younger than three years of age upon request but I am not sure about amenities.
Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Togetsutei・渡月亭 (Arashiyama, Kyoto)
Located less than a 10-minute walk from Arashiyama Station, this ryokan is in a great location when it comes to sightseeing in the area. They provide meals for children ages three and up.
All of the rooms have private onsen baths.
Kaikatei Hanagozen ・海花亭 花御前 (Kyotango, Kyoto)
Although this ryokan does accept babies, I’ve included it here since it only provides meals for children ages 4 and up. It’s located in Kyotango, which is in the northern part of the prefecture and a famous place for people living in Kyoto city to retreat for its hot springs in winter and beautiful beaches in summer.
Some rooms have private onsen baths.
Mikasa (Nara)
My family had a wonderful stay at this ryokan with my daughter when she was two years old. They provided a toothbrush and a cute washcloth for her, as well as an adorable yukata. She also got a wonderful kids’ meal! (More photos of our stay are available in my Kyoto and Kansai ryokan article.)
Some rooms have private onsen baths.
Hotel Urashima (Katsuura, Wakayama)
This is a hotel but it definitely has ryokan vibes so I thought I would include it here. This hotel is massive and a little dated, but it is undoubtedly interesting since it is built into a mountain and has several onsen inside caves.
My daughter had a lot of fun staying here and I don’t blame her. You can take an adorable boat to the hotel, there is an arcade area with games kids can play, the buffet dinner and breakfast have plenty of kid-friendly food, and the onsen baths are not too hot.
Hotel Urashima is also located less than a 30-minute drive from Kumano Nachi Taisha, which is a World Heritage Site.
If you’re interested, read my article about my family’s visit to Kumano Kodo and stay at Hotel Urashima.
Kyushu Region
Koyama Inn ・小山旅館 (Kawayo, Kumamoto)
If you’re visiting Kumamoto, specifically Aso, you might want to consider staying here. This ryokan allows babies, although I am not sure about what amenities they provide, so I placed it in this category. They also offer special meals for toddlers and up, such as a mini kaiseki.
The rooms do not come with onsen baths.
Hamazen Ryokan ・浜膳旅館 (Kumamoto)
This is a ryokan that has won numerous awards in Japan.
Similar to the ryokan above, this one accepts babies but it’s unclear whether they provide baby-friendly amenities. They do, however, provide meals for toddlers upon request when booking. All rooms also come with open-air onsen baths.
Azumaen ・東園 (Unzen, Nagasaki)
Azumaen is located on the shore of Oshidori Lake, offering beautiful views of the lake and mountains, including from the onsen baths. The ryokan provides meals for children three years and up. It also accepts babies although I am unsure about the details regarding what amenities it offers.
Some rooms have private onsen baths.
Hokkaido Region
Yumoto Takubokutei ・函館湯の川温泉 湯元 啄木亭 (Hakodate)
Hakodate is a beautiful town located on the southern coast of Hokkaido. It’s famous for fresh seafood and its beautiful night view, so if you visit with your child, this ryokan might be a good option. They accommodate babies and offer special, western-style meals for children ages 3 to 6.
They also have yukata for children who are size 100 and up. You can see a view of the city and sea from the onsen as well. Note that none of the rooms have private onsen baths and the ryokan is old.
Recommended Family-Friendly Ryokan (Japanese Inn) for Children Six Years and Up
Most of the ryokan listed here only accept guests who are elementary school-aged (six years old) or older. I can see staying at one of these ryokan as a nice way to celebrate your child becoming older and maybe they will be excited to get to stay somewhere that only “big kids” or “oneesan (big sister)/oniisan (big brother)” can visit.
Toikan・牧水荘土肥館 (Izu, Shizuoka)
This is a beautiful and luxurious ryokan with onsen baths, including a rental one that overlooks the ocean. Some of the rooms have an open-air bath as well. Since it’s in Izu, the ryokan primarily offers fresh, locally caught seafood dishes in their meals (which look amazing!).
Tenboen・天望苑 (Kinosaki, Hyogo)
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I love all the different types of rooms at this ryokan, which are quite unique. This ryokan only accepts children ages 13 and up to ensure that all guests have a peaceful and relaxing stay.
Note that none of the rooms have an attached private onsen bath, but you can reserve one such as a private bath with rose petals!
Kinnotake Tonosawa ・金乃竹 塔ノ澤 (Hakone, Kanagawa)
If you’re looking for a top-class ryokan experience with your child when they’re older (12 years and up), then you’ll want to keep this ryokan in mind. Each stunning room has its own private open-air onsen bath that overlooks a forest and they offer full-course dinners featuring wagyu. This ryokan is also located near Japan’s oldest bridge!
Wrap-up: Kid-Friendly Ryokan in Japan
As you can see, there are plenty of wonderful ryokan throughout Japan that cater to kids. Staying at a ryokan is bound to be an unforgettable memory for your family and something you can only experience in Japan, so I highly recommend staying at one. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax with my family while enjoying amazing food and service.
Where do you want to stay first?